Consul General attended Vimy Ceremony April 8th

Mountain View Cemetary commemoration, April 8th

Consul General, Philippe Sutter, attended the Vimy Commemoration held at the Mountain View Cemetery, along the participation of Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon.

Message from the Consul General

The message of Vimy Ridge is one of bravery and sacrifice. The Battle of Vimy Ridge which took place on April 9, 1917 is the First World War battle that paved the way to an Allied victory, and solidified Canada as a sovereign nation.

To underscore the sacrifices made by Canada, which suffered 60,000 fatalities during the First World War, France granted Canada 107 hectares of land at Vimy to build and maintain a memorial. That iconic site is today considered one of the most stirring of all First World War monuments, and certainly Canada’s most important war memorial.

We support the Vimy Foundation which contributed to commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017. The Vimy Visitor Education Centre in France opened on the 100th anniversary of this important battle, on April 9, 2017. The Vimy Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for young Canadians to learn about our First World War legacy, as symbolized with the victory at Vimy Ridge 101 years ago.

As part of the Vimy Foundation’s First World War in Colour project, partnered with the National Film Board of Canada, a unique and exciting short film featuring has colourized First World War footage. We hope it will help Canadians better appreciate what the First World War may have been like for the people who lived it. To explore their collection visit their website.

The French people will never forget the act of bravery that our Canadian Allies accomplished to help restore our freedom. Yes, remembrance is key to build a better future. We will never forget.